The Crown's Entrapment

Freya couldn't help but hold her breath as she looked at her own reflection in the mirror. She looked radiant, and beautiful even as she beheld the gown that she now wore.

"You look amazing, dear," her mother beamed at her from her side.

She simply nodded as the smile on her face did little justice to the emotions she was feeling. Wearing a gown befitting her status as a princess, Freya was sure that she was going to be the center of attention the moment she walked out onto the great hall present within the Everett Mansion.

"Thank you, Mother," Freya turned to look at the older woman, the smile on her face never leaving her. "I didn't think that my own Ritual of Marking would come this soon, but I guess the fates just decide when it happens."

"That is true, dear," the Queen Mother giggled. "Why, I remember doing it with your father at a rather young age myself. I couldn't even believe that it was happening until it was all over."

Freya chuckled at her mother's small anecdote. It was rare for Mother to give out details about her past with her father. But ever since they've settled things with Nasser and brought him to justice, their mother seemed to glow brighter with every day that passed. It was as if a hidden weight had been lifted from the older woman, allowing her to relax a bit and share more about their father whenever an appropriate topic came up.

"I could only imagine," Freya sighed contently. "Even now while I'm wearing my own Ritual dress, I still can't believe it's going to happen. And with Gideon too."

She couldn't help but giggle at where she ended up in life. While Gideon was far from what she had first imagined for her mate, it all ended up just fine with her eventually coming around and loving the man and all he had to offer. Sure, there were still some lingering thoughts about her former crush in Gilas, it paled in comparison to the well of love that she now had for her mate. It just felt right to be with him, and she wouldn't have her life turn out in any other way.

"Like you said, the fates work in mysterious ways," the Queen Mother warmly smiled at her. "If this is what the Almighty blessed you with, then who are we to deny it?"

Freya smiled. "We're blessed enough as it is with feeling the Mate Pull too," she replied. "And he's a good man… I can't help but root for him."

"That you do," her mother gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Now, off you go, my dear. The day is just getting started, and you don't want to keep your mate waiting, right?"

"Right," Freya chuckled as she gave the Queen Mother a tight hug. "I'll be off then. I'll see you later?"

"Of course," her mother smiled. "I'll go on ahead."

With that, the older woman left her room, leaving Freya alone with some of the servants that had helped her with getting ready. Shaking her head in mirth, she gave herself one last look in the mirror before turning towards the door.

"I'm ready," she whispered to herself, a slight grin adorning her face.

Turning to the servants, they all quickly went to assist her in making her way to the great hall. She pondered on dismissing them and making her way there by herself, but with the way her gown was set up, doing so would be far too much of a hassle to do on her own.

Making her way through the mansion, Freya couldn't help but look around at the place that would soon be her home. Sure, Cordon Castle would always be her home, but as soon as the day was over, the Everett Mansion would also be her home. Gideon would probably like for her to stay so that she could learn the ropes of being his Luna, and she'll do just that should it be required of her.

"This will all be mine soon," she couldn't help but whisper to herself as she walked through the hallways leading up to the great hall.

A few minutes later, she arrived at the large double doors leading to the opening of the great hall. Thankfully, her brother Darius was there to greet her, already dressed in his own regalia as he stood by the door.

"You look amazing, Freya," Darius greeted her with a smile. "Ready for your Ritual?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," she beamed at him before turning to face the closed doors beside them. "I'm assuming that they're all waiting behind those doors?"

"Indeed. Mother just came past me before you arrived," her brother nodded. "Also, Gideon is already inside waiting for you. I'm sure you'll find him pleasing enough."

"Don't try and demean him now," Freya pouted.

"I wasn't. I was simply stating a fact," Darius chuckled. "He's a good man, and he probably wouldn't be here if I didn't approve of him myself."

She shook her head at her brother's teasing. Really, he just had to try and tease her on the biggest day of her life.

"Wait… Aren't you supposed to be the one to officiate our Ritual as King?" Freya asked.

"And at the expense of not being able to walk you down the aisle? I wouldn't want to miss that," Darius scoffed. "Besides, I'm King. I can make a few exceptions."

Freya could only smile at his consideration. If their father was still alive, he would've been the one to accompany her on this occasion. Darius would have to be the one to do so, and she really wouldn't have it any other way.

"Again, Freya, are you ready?" Darius asked as he placed his hand on the door.

She nodded. "I'm ready."

With one last nod, Darius gave her a reassuring smile before he motioned for the door to open. And as they both stepped into the hallway, Freya's grin only brightened as she was greeted by the most exhilarating sight she had ever seen in her life.